California Title 24

California uses 265,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity per year, with peak demand growing at about 2.4 percent per year, roughly the equivalent of three new 500-megawatt power plants.  Peak electricity demands occur on hot summer days, causing rolling blackouts. Energy efficiency standards help reduce peak demand and avoid blackouts and the need to build new power plants.

California Title 24, Part 6 outlines energy efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings.  These standards were established in 1978 as a way to address California's growing energy consumption.  The standards essentially comprise California's state energy code and are updated by the California Energy Commission periodically to allow consideration and possible incorporate of new energy efficiency technologies and methods.  The most recent update will take effect on October 1, 2005.